A social story for a snow day
A social story for a snow day: why school can close, what changes and what stays the same, playing safely in the snow, and going back to school the next day.
Sometimes snow or ice makes the roads unsafe, so school closes for the day. My plan changes. I stay home or go somewhere safe, and school opens again when the roads are clear.
The story
Carol Gray's 10.2 criteria describe a story that shares accurate information in a patient, reassuring voice, often from the child's point of view (Social Stories 10.2 Criteria, accessed November 11, 2026). These lines are first person.
When School Is Closed
Sometimes it snows a lot at night.
The roads can be slippery for cars and buses.
To keep everyone safe, school might close. This is called a snow day.
On a snow day, I do not go to school.
My day is different. I might stay home or go to a sitter.
I might feel happy, or I might miss my friends and my routine.
I can play inside, or play in the snow with a grown-up.
When I come in from the snow, I take off wet clothes and warm up.
When the roads are safe, school opens again.
A little support for the week ahead.
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Why a change of plan is hard
For kids who count on routine, the surprise matters more than the snow. A story read before winter gives them the idea that a closed day is a normal, safe change.
Safety lines for snow play
KidsHealth suggests warm layers, mittens and boots, coming inside when being cold stops being fun, and watching for frostbite on fingers, toes, ears, noses and cheeks (Cold, Ice, and Snow Safety, accessed November 11, 2026). Keep the story to one or two lines.
Make a snow-day schedule
A simple picture schedule for the day at home, with breakfast, play, lunch, quiet time, and outside time, gives the day a shape. Add "We use the snow-day schedule" to the story.
Make it match your family
If a parent still goes to work, or a grandparent comes over, write it in. If your school does remote learning on closed days, add a line about logging in.
More free stories arrive by email from the Social Stories list.
FAQ
What if my child gets upset when school closes?
Read the story before winter and on the morning itself. Offer one fun choice.
Do I mention delays?
Yes, if your school uses late starts. Add "Sometimes school starts later."
How do I explain the next day?
Add a line that school opens again and the routine comes back.
Sources & further reading
- Social Stories 10.2 Criteria (Carol Gray, PDF). Accessed November 11, 2026., Carol Gray Social Stories
- Cold, Ice, and Snow Safety (Nemours KidsHealth). Accessed November 11, 2026., Nemours KidsHealth
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